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Nayeb Askari Sentenced to 15 Years in Prison and Heavy Fine After Death Sentence Overturned

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News, Prisoners
Baghi, HRANA, moharebeh, Naeb Askari, Nayeb Askari, Urmia, Urmia prison

Nayeb Askari, a political prisoner detained in Urmia Prison, has been re-sentenced by Branch 2 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court to 15 years in prison and a fine of 900 million tomans, following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn his prior death sentence and refer his case for retrial.

This updated sentence was issued last week by Branch 2 of the Urmia Revolutionary Court. According to HRANA’s sources, the fine was imposed on Askari as compensation for alleged damage to government property.

Initially, on April 15, 2023, Askari was sentenced to death in absentia and without legal representation by Branch 2 on charges of “enmity against God (moharebeh).” After he appealed, the court downgraded the charge from “moharebeh” to “armed rebellion (baghi)” but re-issued a death sentence in late October 2023.

Askari’s alleged membership in a Kurdish opposition party was cited as evidence supporting the charges in his case.

Arrested by IRGC intelligence agents on March 27, 2021, in Urmia, Askari was later moved to a detention facility and, on June 17, 2021, to Urmia Prison.

HRANA’s source reveals another ongoing case accusing Askari of the murder of IRGC member Mostafa Soltani. In 2013-2014, Soltani was injured during a clash with a political opposition party member, passing away six years later from COVID-19. Soltani’s family claims alleged Askari’s involvement in the altercation caused the sustained injury leading to his eventual death.

A new case, opened on July 12, 2021, based on a complaint from the Urmia Prison head, resulted in a three-month imprisonment extension and 50 lashes for “disrupting prison order.”

According to HRA’s annual report, in 2023, Urmia Prison officials executed 29 inmates, positioning this facility as the sixth highest in terms of executions among the ranked prisons.

Narges Mohammadi Transferred from Evin Prison to Hospital

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News, Prisoners
Ebrahim Ketabdar, Evin Prison, Iman Afshari, Narges Mohammadi, Taghi Rahmani, نرگس محمدی

Narges Mohammadi, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and human rights activist, has been transferred from Evin Prison to a hospital.

Her husband, Taghi Rahmani, announced this news yesterday, stating that, after nearly nine weeks of delay by authorities in addressing her medical needs, Narges Mohammadi has finally been transferred from Evin Prison to a hospital.

Ms. Mohammadi suffers from heart disease, a breast mass, and chronic back pain. She had repeatedly been denied transfer to medical centers for angiography and health evaluations.

Narges Mohammadi, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate who has faced multiple convictions, was sentenced in January of this year by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, to fifteen months in prison, two years exile from Tehran and neighboring provinces, a two-year travel ban, a two-year ban on membership in social-political groups, and a two-year ban on using a smartphone for propaganda against the regime.

In October 2020, Mohammadi was released from Zanjan Prison after serving about five and a half years. Shortly after, regarding a case opened against her during her imprisonment, she was sentenced by a Criminal Court in Tehran to thirty months in prison, eighty lashes, and two fines.

In November 2021, during a memorial ceremony for the second anniversary of the death of Ebrahim Ketabdar, one of the victims of the November 2019 protests, she was arrested by security forces in Karaj. Subsequently, Ms. Mohammadi was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to eight years in prison, seventy-four lashes, two years of exile, and other social deprivations.

In October 2022, regarding another case opened against her during her imprisonment, she was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court to one year and three months in prison along with other additional punishments. In August of last year, she was also sentenced to one year in prison by the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

In 2023, the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to Narges Mohammadi by the Norwegian Nobel Committee “for her courageous fight for freedom and human rights over three decades.”

Four Prisoners Executed in Dezful and Maragheh Prisons

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Executions, News
Abolnabi Kalani, Dezful, Hassan Dorostkar, Khaled Chenari, Maragheh, Ramhormoz Prison, Soleiman Maleki-Nejad

The death sentences of four prisoners previously convicted on charges related to drug offenses and murder were carried out in Dezful and Maragheh prisons, according to the Iran Human Rights Organization.

The identities of these individuals are reported as follows: Khaled Chenari, 30 years old; Abolnabi Kalani, 26 years old; Soleiman Maleki-Nejad, 35 years old; and Hassan Dorostkar.

The report states that Khaled Chenari and Abolnabi Kalani were arrested three years ago on murder charges in a joint case and were sentenced to death by the judiciary. Their executions took place on Sunday, October 27, at Dezful Prison. Before their transfer to Dezful Prison, these two inmates had been held in Ramhormoz Prison.

On Wednesday, October 23, Soleiman Maleki-Nejad, who was arrested roughly three years ago on drug-related charges and subsequently sentenced to death, was executed in Maragheh Prison.

Hassan Dorostkar was executed in Maragheh Prison on Monday, October 21. He had been arrested four years ago on murder charges and sentenced to death by the judiciary.

At the time of this report, prison authorities and responsible organizations have not publicly announced these executions.

According to latest HRANA’s annual report over between October 10, 2023, and October 8, 2024, at least 811 individuals were executed by hanging in Iran, rising to 23.06% compared to the same period last year. Of these executions, four were carried out in public. Many of the defendants were denied a fair trial.

Vadood Asadi Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Azerbaijani Turk activist, ehran Revolutionary Court, Salar Taher Afshar, Salavati, Vadood Asadi

Azerbaijani-Turk activist Vadood Asadi has been sentenced to four years in prison by Tehran’s Revolutionary Court on charges of “assembly and collusion to disrupt national security.” This sentence was issued by Branch 15 of the Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Salavati, and was recently communicated to Mr. Asadi.

In a separate case, the Rasht Revolutionary Court previously sentenced Mr. Asadi to five years and six months in prison. This verdict was based on charges of “propaganda against the regime, membership in anti-regime groups, and insulting the Supreme Leader.”  Most recently, on October 27, an appeal session for his Rasht sentence was held.

Mr. Asadi was initially detained by security forces in Rasht in February 2024. He was transferred to Evin Prison in March and subsequently released on bail a few days later. His court hearing, conducted alongside fellow activist Salar Taher Afshar, was held on May 21, 2024.

Vadood Asadi, an Azerbaijani-Turk activist, has previously faced judicial actions due to his activism.

Azerbaijani-Turk Activists Saeed Minaei and Aydin Mohammadi Sentenced to Prison

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Ethnic Minorities, News
Aydin Mohammadi, Azerbaijani Turk activists, Bonab, Evin Prison, Saeed Minaei

Azerbaijani-Turk activists Saeed Minaei and Aydin Mohammadi have been sentenced to a total of eight years in prison by Branch 15 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court.

According to HRANA, Judge Salavati of Branch 15 recently issued the verdict, which was communicated to the activists through their attorney. Minaei received a five-year prison sentence on the charge of “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security.” Mohammadi was sentenced to three years on similar charges, including “assembly and collusion to commit crimes against national security” and “propaganda against the regime.” The final court hearing in their case took place on September 8, 2023.

Saeed Minaei (Minaie) was detained on February 5, 2024, after visiting the Ministry of Intelligence office in Bonab. He was initially held in a Tabriz detention center before being transferred to solitary confinement in Evin Prison’s Ward 240, managed by the Ministry of Intelligence. Sixteen days later, he was moved to Ward 209, another intelligence-run facility within Evin Prison, and was released on bail on March 13, 2024.

Aydin Mohammadi was also arrested on February 5, 2024, when security forces detained him at his workplace in Ardabil. He was subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Intelligence’s detention facility in Evin Prison and released on bail in March 2024.

Minaei, a law student at University of Qom, has a history of previous legal encounters related to his activism.

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Over 450 Days in Limbo: Continued Detention of Masoud Jamei in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz

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News, Prisoners
ahvaz, HRANA, Masoud Jamei, Sheiban Prison

Masoud Jamei, a political detainee with serious health issues, has been held without trial in Sheiban Prison, Ahvaz, for over 450 days.

A source close to his family told HRANA that a court-appointed attorney was recently assigned to Mr. Jamei. Previously, in one of Ahvaz’s prosecutor’s offices, he was charged with “spreading corruption on earth,” “membership in opposition groups,” and “assembly and collusion to disrupt national security.” Despite these charges, he has yet to stand trial and remains in indefinite detention, now entering his 452nd day in Sheiban Prison.

According to HRANA, Jamei suffers from fatty liver disease and gastrointestinal issues. Although he has been sent to the prison infirmary multiple times, his treatment has been limited to basic exams and a few medications. His condition necessitates specialized medical care and a transfer to an external hospital for proper treatment.

Masoud Jamei, around 47 years old and a resident of Ahvaz, was initially detained by security forces on July 31, 2023. His prolonged, unresolved detention continues to place both his health and due process rights at risk.

Political Prisoner Golnaz Salah Chin Serving One-Year Sentence in Evin Prison

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News, Prisoners
Evin Prison, Golnaz Salah Chin

Golnaz Salah-Chin, a 47-year-old political prisoner and former schoolteacher, is currently serving a one-year sentence in Evin Prison.

Ms. Salah-Chin, the mother of two daughters and head of her household, was sentenced by Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, on the charge of “propaganda against the regime.”

On October 3 of this year, Ms. Salah-Chin was detained and transferred to the women’s ward of Evin Prison to begin her sentence. Her legal troubles began in early 2023 when she was summoned to one of Tehran’s prosecutor’s offices, formally charged, and subsequently released on bail.

Golnaz Salah-Chin’s detention and dismissal from her teaching position have placed significant strain on her family. She was a dedicated educator prior to her arrest, and her imprisonment highlights the increasing pressures faced by political activists in Iran.

Reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of HRA in 2023 indicate a total of 193 cases in which Branch 26 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court, presided over by Judge Iman Afshari, has been involved in issuing verdicts that infringe upon the human rights of defendants.

Death Sentences of Four Sunni Prisoners Finalized, Case Referred for Execution

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Executions, News, Religious Minorities
Abdolghani Shahbakhsh, Abdolrahim Ghanbarzehi Gorgij, armed rebellion, Eido Shahbakhsh, Ghezel Hesar prison, HRANA, Rahim Mirbaloch, Soleiman Shahbakhsh

The death sentences of four Sunni prisoners—Eido Shahbakhsh, Abdolghani Shahbakhsh, Abdolrahim Ghanbarzehi Gorgij (Rahim Mirbaloch), and Soleiman Shahbakhsh—have been confirmed by Branch 32 of the Supreme Court and referred to Branch 1 of the Tehran Security Prosecutor’s Office for execution. They are currently held in Ghezel Hesar Prison in Karaj.

On February 4, 2024, Judge Mohammadreza Amuzad Khalili of Branch 28 of the Tehran Revolutionary Court sentenced these men to death, accusing them of armed rebellion through membership in opposition groups and armed uprising against the regime. Their death sentences were later upheld by the Supreme Court following their appeal.

HRANA’s investigation into their case reveals significant rights violations during their imprisonment. The prisoners faced extreme pressure from security agencies, including denial of legal representation, prolonged solitary confinement, physical and psychological torture, and deprivation of basic rights such as family visits and phone calls.

Since 2012, following the initial arrests of Eido and Abdolghani Shahbakhsh, court hearings have been irregular. Despite initial acquittals by the Zahedan Revolutionary Court, objections by security agencies led to the re-arrest of the defendants in 2016 and continued prosecution.

A source close to Abdolrahim Ghanbarzehi’s family told HRANA that he was subjected to severe physical and psychological pressure during solitary confinement and was coerced into making confessions while in the IRGC’s Salman Detention Center in Zahedan, in violation of Article 38 of Iran’s Constitution and international anti-torture conventions.

A key issue in this case has been the frequent transfer of case files between courts in Zahedan and Tehran, causing delays and uncertainty for the defendants. Despite multiple requests for regular hearings and proper defense, initial acquittals were overturned due to pressure from security agencies, leading to their eventual death sentences.

With the Supreme Court now confirming their death sentences, the case has entered a critical phase, with the execution possibly imminent. The families of the prisoners maintain their innocence and argue that the judicial process has been fraught with serious human rights violations.

Baha’is in Kerman: Paridokht Shojaei Summoned to Serve Prison Sentence, Four Others Acquitted

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News, Religious Minorities
Behnam Pour-Ahmari, Foad Shaker Arkani, Kerman prison, Paridokht Shojaei, Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah

Paridokht Shojaei Baghini, a Baha’i citizen from Kerman, has been summoned to the Kerman Prison Enforcement Branch to serve her two-year and one-month prison sentence. Meanwhile, four other Baha’i citizens—Foad Shaker Arkani, Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah, and Behnam Pour-Ahmari—who were tried alongside her, have been acquitted by the Court of Appeals.

According to information received by HRANA, Ms. Shojaei was contacted via phone and instructed to report to the prison authorities to begin serving her sentence. A Baha’i resident of Kerman, familiar with the case, confirmed the news, stating: “Yekta Fallah, Foad Shaker Arkani, Behnam Pour-Ahmari, and Shahram Fallah were acquitted during the appeals process. Only Ms. Shojaei was sentenced to imprisonment and social restrictions, and she has been repeatedly summoned in recent days to begin serving her time.”

The five Baha’i citizens were initially arrested in July 2023 at the residence of Shahram Fallah. During the arrest, security officers searched Mr. Fallah’s home and the vehicles of his guests, confiscating personal items, including their mobile phones. Foad Shaker Arkani and Behnam Pour-Ahmari were released later that month, while Shahram Fallah, Yekta Fallah, and Paridokht Shojaei were released on bail in early August.

The first court hearing in their case took place on February 3, 2024, followed by a second hearing in early April 2024, where the defendants were sentenced to fines and social restrictions. However, in an unclear legal process, the court’s ruling against Ms. Shojaei was overturned, and she was subsequently informed in absentia of her revised sentence: two years and one month in prison, along with a five-year ban on social rights. This sentence was later upheld by the Court of Appeals after she filed an appeal.

Prisoner Executed in Malayer Prison for Drug-Related Charges

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Executions, News
HRANA, Malayer Prison, Shahin Dehghani

The death sentence of a prisoner previously convicted on drug-related charges was carried out in Malayer Prison on October 22, 2024.

HRANA has identified the prisoner as “Shahin Dehghani.”
Based on reports received by HRANA, Mr. Dehghani was previously arrested on drug-related charges and was later sentenced to death by the Revolutionary Court.

At the time of this report, the execution of this prisoner has not been officially announced by prison authorities or relevant institutions.

The reports from the Department of Statistics and Publication of Human Rights Activists for the year 2023 reveal a concerning prevalence of executions for drug offenses in Iran, constituting 56.4% of the total executions. For a comprehensive examination of the details and statistics surrounding the executions in Iran, refer to HRANA’s report.